[MUFC]

Man Utd v Fulham

DATE: Sunday 20th August 2006.

KO: 1:30PM.

LIVE ON: MUTV, PREM PLUS.

So, here we go, our very first Premiership game of the 2006/2007 Season, and hoping come the end, we will be lifting some success. We are Home on the very first game of the season, to Fulham, and this is the second time we have faced Fulham at Home on the opening day. Cast your mind back to the 2001/2002 Season when we faced newcomers Fulham at Old Trafford.

A Ruud Van Nistelrooy brace and a David Beckham wonder goal gave us a 3-2 win, although Saha(Yes Saha, who plays for us now) scored two great goals to give us a scare.

Even Van Der Sar was in the Fulham team on that day, so how times have changed. Our Record against Fulham is ok, it's not the best, we haven't won many times at their ground, usually there are boring 1-1 draws, but we are better at facing them at our ground, and come Sunday, that should give us the advantage to kick start our season with a win over Fulham at Home.

PREDICTION: Manchester United 2-1 Fulham

MATCHDAY ENCOUNTERS (LAST 6 PREMIERSHIP MEETINGS)

2003/2004 Season: Manchester United 1-3 Fulham
2003/2004 Season: Fulham 1-1 Manchester United
2004/2005 Season: Fulham 1-1 Manchester United
2004/2005 Season: Manchester United 1-0 Fulham
2005/2006 Season: Fulham 2-3 Manchester United
2005/2006 Season: Manchester United 4-2 Fulham

 

[de_roiste]

What will be the starting team?...

 

[mercer]

V/D Sar
Neville,Ferdinand,brown,heinze
Oshea
Ronaldo,Scholes,Park
Saha,Giggs

 

[unitedred]

V/D Sar
Neville,Ferdinand,brown,heinze
Oshea
Ronaldo,Scholes,Park
Saha,Giggs

I would go with that aswell.

3-1 to United.

 

[MUFC]

Team News: United still have doubts over Wayne Rooney, who is carrying a groin injury. Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville emerged unscathed from England's friendly win over Greece, and should be fit to face the Cottagers. Doubts also remain over Michael Carrick, Alan Smith and Nemanja Vidic. Fulham, meanwhile, are at full strength except for the injured Steed Malbranque and Simon Elliott.

Pre-Season: Last Saturday's solid 3-0 win over Sevilla was United's final friendly, and Sir Alex Ferguson would have enjoyed his pre-season campaign more without the accumulation of several key injuries and suspensions. Fulham, meanwhile, go into Sunday's game buoyed by an unbeaten warm-up period and almost a clean bill of health.

 

[Rooney_8]

Rooney can play today and i think 3-0

 

[Glen]

V/D Sar
Neville,Ferdinand,brown,heinze
Oshea
Ronaldo,Scholes,Park
Saha,Giggs

Heinze is not playing... atleast thats what the official site says!!
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=355766

40 mins. till the match starts!! cant wait... cmon REDS!!!

Manchester United - Fulham

Manchester United:
Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Evra, Ronaldo, O'Shea, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney, Saha

Subs: Kuszczak, Park, Solskjaer, Fletcher, Silvestre

Fulham:
Niemi, Rosenior, Christanval, Pearce, Queudrue, Brown, Diop, Bullard, Boa Morte, John, Helguson

Subs: Crossley, Volz, Bocanegra, Radzinski, McBride

 

[RoyKeaneIsMagic]

4-1 at half time

this will be our year

 

[Red Devil]

A Premiership record crowd was treated to an Old Trafford exhibition as Manchester United emphatically put down an early title marker with a 5-1 demolition of Fulham. The 75,111 fans crammed into the expanded venue bore witness to a devastating first-half performance from United, in which the hosts scored four times in the opening 20 minutes.

Louis Saha opened the scoring against his former club and Ian Pearce turned into his own net, while World Cup foes Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo proved there is no lingering bad blood with a goal apiece. Heidar Helguson's deflected shot off Rio Ferdinand lifted Fulham before the break, but Rooney scored another in the second half in a one-sided affair.

Fulham started brightly with debutant Jimmy Bullard spying some slack defending from United to feed a free kick into Papa Bouba Diop, who shot straight at Edwin van der Sar. But the visitors' resistance lasted just seven minutes as The Red Devils took the lead with a well-worked goal. Saha flicked Rooney's cross-field ball on to Ryan Giggs and promptly darted between the two Fulham centre halves to glance in the Welshman's centre.

Van der Sar made simple stops from a Diop header and Bullard free kick before United scored the first of three goals in the space of five minutes. A clever pass from Giggs found Rooney, the ball broke for Ronaldo to play Saha into space and his low cross was turned past Antti Niemi by experienced defender Pearce.
United needed no second invitation to go for the jugular and made it 3-0 on 16 minutes. Saha's athletic volley was pushed out by Niemi and Rooney was on hand to convert an easy opportunity from close range.

The Cottagers' defence was spreadeagled and the hosts capitalised again on 19 minutes when Rooney's deep cross evaded Franck Queudrue and his old sparring partner Ronaldo arrived late at the far post to prod past a helpless Niemi. Saha should have inflicted further damage midway through the first half, but he failed to connect cleanly to a precise ball into the box from fellow Frenchman, Patrice Evra.

On the half hour, the ubiquitous Paul Scholes almost got in on the act when his low drive from 25 yards skidded back off the base of the post and hit Niemi on the back, with the Finnish keeper recovering in time to prevent the ball crossing the line.

Fulham finally brought some cheer to a thoroughly miserable half for Chris Coleman's side on 41 minutes when Helguson collected Bullard's pass and saw his left-foot drive ricochet off Ferdinand and loop tantalisingly over van der Sar.
Gary Neville, who has been struggling with a calf injury, sat out the second half, which started in tepid fashion until Michael Brown incurred the wrath of Giggs for catching the Welshman.

Giggs was booked for a clumsy attempt at retribution and he was soon appealing for a penalty when his cross hit Liam Rosenior on the hand, but a spot kick would have been a harsh award. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Park Ji-sung were given a run-out on the hour mark before United created a fifth goal on 64 minutes which was a lesson in simplicity.

Scholes fed Ronaldo, who released Wes Brown down the right flank and his pull back was effortlessly swept home by the unmarked Rooney. The England ace supplied Ronaldo with the chance for what should have been the Portuguese's second goal on 70 minutes, but the winger placed his shot wide of the upright when sent in behind a hapless Fulham defence.

United's intricate passing and movement regularly left Fulham outnumbered and Niemi was on hand to make low stops from a Ronaldo drive and deflected Scholes effort. Fulham boss Coleman may not have expected much from the game given his side's woeful away record last season, but he would have anticipated greater endeavour, while United will be aware they will face much sterner examinations as the season progresses.

Sky Sports News

A good win against a very poor Premiership side who must already be haunted by relegation worries. United played very well but Fulham were just too bad a team to worry United.

 

[Glen]

Wow what a dream start!! 3 points 5 goals and already 2 points over arsenal and liverpool!! all is left to be perfect is chelsea lose!!!

 

[ImNew2ThisWebsite]

champions

Lads seriously im just sayin dis nw so - i really think united will beat chelsea to the premiership and chelsea will fuck up!!!!!!! i no every1 on dis website wil say dis but i really do!!!!!o ya WAT A WIN TALK ABOUT GOOD STARTS AND FULHAM ARE A GOOD TEAM AND EVEN WITH JOHN FUKIN O'SHEA IN THE CENTRE OF MIDFIELD
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

 

[Sparx]

Minute Event
0===Lineups are announced and players are warming up
1===First Half begins.
2===Foul by Collins John (Fulham).
2===Wes Brown (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
5===Attempt saved. Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved.
5===Foul by Gary Neville (Manchester United).
5===Boa Morte (Fulham) wins a free kick.
6===Attempt missed. Heidar Helguson (Fulham) left footed shot from long range on the left misses to the right.
7===Goal! Manchester United 1, Fulham 0. Louis Saha (Manchester United) header from the left side of the six yard box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Ryan Giggs with a cross.
9===Attempt saved. Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham) header from the centre of the box is saved. Assisted by Boa Morte with a cross.
9===Foul by Patrice Evra (Manchester United).
9===Liam Rosenior (Fulham) wins a free kick.
11===Attempt missed. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) right footed shot from long range on the left misses to the right from a direct free kick.
11===Foul by Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham).
11===Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
12===Foul by Paul Scholes (Manchester United).
12===Jimmy Bullard (Fulham) wins a free kick.
13===Attempt saved. Jimmy Bullard (Fulham) right footed shot from long range on the right is saved.
15===Own Goal by Ian Pearce, Fulham. Manchester United 2, Fulham 0.
16===Goal! Manchester United 3, Fulham 0. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box. Assisted by Louis Saha with a headed pass.
16===Foul by Boa Morte (Fulham).
16===Gary Neville (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
18===Attempt missed. Louis Saha (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
18===Foul by Heidar Helguson (Fulham).
18===Paul Scholes (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
19===Goal! Manchester United 4, Fulham 0. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) right footed shot from the right side of the six yard box to the top right corner. Assisted by Wayne Rooney with a cross.
22===Corner, Manchester United.
24===Attempt missed. Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
27===Corner, Fulham.
31===Attempt blocked. Jimmy Bullard (Fulham) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
31===Foul by John OShea (Manchester United).
31===Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham) wins a free kick.
33===Attempt missed. Michael Brown (Fulham) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Boa Morte with a cross.
33===Attempt blocked. Michael Brown (Fulham) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
35===Foul by John OShea (Manchester United).
35===Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham) wins a free kick.
36===Corner, Manchester United.
36===Attempt saved. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved.
38===Foul by Franck Queudrue (Fulham).
38===Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
38===Foul by Ryan Giggs (Manchester United).
38===Franck Queudrue (Fulham) wins a free kick.
39===Corner, Manchester United.
40===Own Goal by Rio Ferdinand, Manchester United. Manchester United 4, Fulham 1.
41===Foul by Collins John (Fulham).
41===Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
42===Corner, Manchester United.
45+2 Foul by Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham).
45+2 Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) wins a free kick.

45+2 ===First Half ends, Manchester United 4, Fulham 1.

46===Second Half begins Manchester United 4, Fulham 1.

46===Hand ball by Heidar Helguson (Fulham).
46===Substitution, Manchester United. Mikael Silvestre defender replaces Gary Neville.
47===Foul by Franck Queudrue (Fulham).
47===Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
47===Foul by Ryan Giggs (Manchester United).
47===Jimmy Bullard (Fulham) wins a free kick.
50===Foul by Michael Brown (Fulham).
50===Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
50===Michael Brown (Fulham) is shown the yellow card.
51===Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) is shown the yellow card.
51===Foul by Ryan Giggs (Manchester United).
51===Michael Brown (Fulham) wins a free kick.
52===Foul by Wes Brown (Manchester United).
52===Franck Queudrue (Fulham) wins a free kick.
53===Foul by Ian Pearce (Fulham).
53===Louis Saha (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
54===Offside, Fulham. John is caught offside.
55===Offside, Manchester United. Saha is caught offside.
56===Corner, Fulham.
59===Foul by Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham).
59===Patrice Evra (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
60===Substitution, Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer forward replaces Louis Saha.
60===Substitution, Manchester United. Ji-sung Park midfielder replaces Ryan Giggs.
60===Offside, Manchester United. Saha is caught offside.
61===Substitution, Fulham. Tomasz Radzinski forward replaces Michael Brown.
62===Foul by Tomasz Radzinski (Fulham).
62===Ji-sung Park (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
64===Substitution, Fulham. Brian McBride forward replaces Collins John.
64===Goal! Manchester United 5, Fulham 1. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Wes Brown.
65===Foul by Jimmy Bullard (Fulham).
65===John OShea (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
66===Corner, Manchester United.
67===Attempt missed. Ji-sung Park (Manchester United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Wayne Rooney.
68===Foul by Heidar Helguson (Fulham).
68===Patrice Evra (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
69===Foul by Philippe Christanval (Fulham).
69===Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
69===Foul by Wes Brown (Manchester United).
69===Boa Morte (Fulham) wins a free kick.
70===Attempt missed. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the right misses to the left.
71===Foul by Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham).
71===Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
72===Attempt missed. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
74===Attempt missed. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) right footed shot from long range on the left misses to the left.
75===Foul by Paul Scholes (Manchester United).
75===Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham) wins a free kick.
76===Attempt missed. Franck Queudrue (Fulham) left footed shot from long range on the right is too high from a direct free kick.
77===Attempt saved. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) right footed shot from long range on the right is saved.
78===Foul by John OShea (Manchester United).
78===Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham) wins a free kick.
79===Attempt saved. Paul Scholes (Manchester United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved.
79===Attempt saved. Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham) right footed shot from outside the box is saved.
80===Foul by Mikael Silvestre (Manchester United).
80===Heidar Helguson (Fulham) wins a free kick.
80===Attempt blocked. Jimmy Bullard (Fulham) right footed shot from long range on the left is blocked.
82===Foul by Ian Pearce (Fulham).
82===Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
83===Attempt missed. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) right footed shot from long range on the left is too high from a direct free kick.
85===Foul by Franck Queudrue (Fulham).
85===Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
86===Foul by Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham).
86===Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) wins a free kick.
88===Foul by Mikael Silvestre (Manchester United).
88===Brian McBride (Fulham) wins a free kick.
89===Attempt saved. Jimmy Bullard (Fulham) right footed shot from outside the box is saved.
90===Foul by Franck Queudrue (Fulham).
90===Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) wins a free kick.

94===Second Half ends, Manchester United 5, Fulham 1.

 

[man.utd.singh]

that was a wicked match, even better if Roony get that hatric, but i think with out RVN were starting to play more like a team, and we can score goals from any position not just strike

 

[unitedred]

Wonderful stuff, made me very proud.

Roll on Charlton.

 

[Scott the Red]

Great result, great start, just what we needed. The past 2 Premiership games we've played without Ruud has us at 9-1 now. The football we're playing without Ruud is just so much more exciting. We have a great striker in Saha, who not only scores goals, but provides for others, as well as setting up his own.

Now lets just hope they don't get too cocky, and take our next game seriously. We really need this great start, and hopefully the confidence will be able to carry us through the games without Rooney and Scholes.





See RepublikOfMancunia's write up here

 

[SalfordRed]

Not a lot learnt today. Our reserves would have scored a load given that sort of space in the first half. It was a nice confidence booster for the lads, but they'll not have an easier game this year.

The gaping holes found by Diop in the opening minutes were a bit of a worry. If O'Shea is going to stay in the midfield he and Rio have got to sort out their communication. It could have been a very different game if Fulham had taken advantage of that early opening.

Football has to nick rugbys report system. Brown's challenge was truly horrific, and should earn him a lengthy ban, but as the ref booked him the FA's hands are tied.